Looking at 1977 highboy!
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New User
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 4
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Looking at 1977 highboy!
I found this highboy for cheap. It has "400v8 with Holley 4bbl carb and an alum intake backed by a granny low 4 spd" only thing wrong is low oil pressure when warm
Is the oil pressure a problem?
How is the engine/ tranny pair?
How bad does the mpg suck?
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,338
Likes: 3
From: Grants Pass, Oregon
It doesnt LOOK bad, what do you consider "cheap"? Mileage wont likely be any better than 11 mpg, might be worse.......the 400 wasnt a favorite of many, but some people love em, and have good luck with them. the 4 spd is pretty much indestructible, take a look at the forum for "335 Series Engines" regarding 351M/400 engines and particulars, im not familiar with them.
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,271
Likes: 9
From: Franklin, IN
Never owned a 400, so can't comment on mileage or reliability. Either 4 speed tranny that came from the factory is bullet proof, no worries there.
If using the truck strictly for the street, the Holley will work well. If your taking the truck on trails then you might want to think about replacing your carb. I'd recommend an Autolite/Motorcraft 4100 carb.
If using the truck strictly for the street, the Holley will work well. If your taking the truck on trails then you might want to think about replacing your carb. I'd recommend an Autolite/Motorcraft 4100 carb.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 477
Likes: 1
From: Florida
Very Nice !!!
VERY NICE HIGHBOY $2500 is pretty cheap 
even if you have to rebuild your engine you just don't see these trucks in ok condition anymore. 
Now the big question is who is selling it to you and do you have any history on it ???? Remember Low Oil Pressure could only be a simple OIL PUMP... My 58 F250 had Low Oil Pressure and it turned out to be the PUMP ONLY $125
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 477
Likes: 1
From: Florida
WOW !!!
now that is a Flaming Deal AWESOME and running decent ???? BOTH ???
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,338
Likes: 3
From: Grants Pass, Oregon
Assuming the engine isnt a serious issue, id still try to get a truck like this at closer to $2000, and if the engine has got a real problem, $1500 or less. The engine isnt a favorite, most people prefer an FE, particularly if the stock 360 has been swapped out for a 390. on the 351/400 engines, its pretty common to swap in a 460 instead. The truck looks pretty clean, does it need anything else? check the body CLOSELY for rust, im not sure if you live close to saltwater, or in the rust belt states that use road salt in winter.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,338
Likes: 3
From: Grants Pass, Oregon
Yeah, i got lucky on my 2.......Ive had the chance to get others recently here in my local area.....ive seen 67-77 highboys, along with 77-1/2 to 79 Lowboys in the $900-$2500 dollar range, many have been modified, so they arent collector grade, but hell i drive em!
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 477
Likes: 1
From: Florida
NICE !!!
Are you gonna Restore the TWO or just Clean them Up ????
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,338
Likes: 3
From: Grants Pass, Oregon
Thats the "geographical" issue i was talking about 1958, you have the Florida humidity and saltwater issue. Oregon, while parts are real wet, other areas are rather dry, and the Highboys have always been popular here. People tend to hold onto vehicles a long time here, and typically vehicles that havent had 5 or 10 owners in 35-40 years are likely in better shape
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 477
Likes: 1
From: Florida
CLIMATE !!!
Thats the "geographical" issue i was talking about 1958, you have the Florida humidity and saltwater issue. Oregon, while parts are real wet, other areas are rather dry, and the Highboys have always been popular here. People tend to hold onto vehicles a long time here, and typically vehicles that havent had 5 or 10 owners in 35-40 years are likely in better shape
My 58 came from "Kennewick Washington" and I know why it survived, because of the Climate up their is NICE... Ok Take care of those two Trucks, you are LUCKY to have Them.. ENJOY
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,338
Likes: 3
From: Grants Pass, Oregon
it would be pointless to restore either of mine, both have had lots changed......the 77 (blue) has a swapped in 460, integral power steering, 78/79 front end and bed, later model mirrors, bucket seats and a console out of something else, fender flares, different front leaf springs, incab fuel tank and all emblems removed, body filled and painted.......I like it, but its the very definition of a "frankenstein" truck.....the 76 is MORE original, still changed enough to leave it as is, or do stuff to simply improve its function
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 477
Likes: 1
From: Florida
it would be pointless to restore either of mine, both have had lots changed......the 77 (blue) has a swapped in 460, integral power steering, 78/79 front end and bed, later model mirrors, bucket seats and a console out of something else, fender flares, different front leaf springs, incab fuel tank and all emblems removed, body filled and painted.......I like it, but its the very definition of a "frankenstein" truck.....the 76 is MORE original, still changed enough to leave it as is, or do stuff to simply improve its function
